Walker County, GA (WDEF) – Walker County voters will decide tomorrow on the continuation of a one-percent sales tax that funds school improvements. This E-SPLOST, in place since 1997, helps cover school facility upgrades, heating and air systems, roofing, lighting, technology improvements, and parking lot repaving. Unlike capital funds from the state, which only cover…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
March Madness Sparks Responsible Betting
he rise of legalized sports betting, industry leaders are emphasizing the need for responsible gaming, especially during this high-stakes tournament. With March Madness set to drive another surge in betting activity, experts and industry leaders are reinforcing responsible gaming efforts. The NCAA tournament coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, making it a crucial time to…… MORE
What’s Right With Our Schools: School Resource Development Institute at Bessie Smith Cultural Center
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Three Hamilton County schools teamed up to craft strategic funding plans that could change the way they secure resources in the future. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center was buzzing with excitement as the School Resource Development Institute wrapped up their very first program designed to help Hamilton County students with funding…… MORE
Chattanooga man arrested in Gordon County after threatening court judges
GORDON COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has been arrested after threatening court judges in Georgia. On March 10, 2025, deputy sheriffs received a report of a caller threatening superior court judges in Gordon County. Gordon County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) stated deputies questioned witnesses and gathered electronic evidence which corroborated witness statements. Deputies arrested…… MORE
Chattanooga man arrested in GA after being accused of threatening court judges
GORDON COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has been arrested after being accused of threatening court judges in Georgia. On March 10, 2025, deputy sheriffs received a report of a caller threatening superior court judges in Gordon County. Gordon County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) stated deputies questioned witnesses and gathered electronic evidence which corroborated witness…… MORE
Dunlap authorities asking for public’s help in locating bench thief
DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Dunlap Police Department (DPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying a thief. On the night of March 9, 2025, a suspect stole two benches from the front of Cates Street Pharmacy. The incident was caught by the store’s security cameras. DPD says the suspect has a distinct walker,…… MORE
Dunlap authorities apprehend suspected bench thief
Billy Joe King / Dunlap Police Department via Facebook UPDATE (3/17/2025): The Dunlap bench thief has been apprehended. The Dunlap Police Department (DPD) and the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) arrested Billy Joe King after receiving a tip. He is being charged with two counts of Theft of Property. DPD says the benches were recovered…… MORE
Local man who survived tank explosion reunites with first responder
Chief Scott Powell And Gary Patton / Hamilton County EMS HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Eight years after a near-fatal accident, a local man has reunited with the first responder who helped save his life. April 4, 2017, Gary Patton was welding atop a 30-foot tank when it suddenly exploded. Among the first responders to…… MORE
Prayer request flyers handed out at senator’s church amid immigration education bill debate
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial bill being advanced by a Hamilton County lawmaker is continuing to receive pushback. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson, would give local schools the option to not enroll students if they are undocumented. A copy of the flyer handed out to parishoners of Sen. Watson’s church over the…… MORE
Tasty Donuts turns green for St. Patrick’s Day
Tasty Donuts owner Tony McInnis and his son A.J. McInnis join News 12’s Chip Chapman to talk about the donut shop turning GREEN for St. Patrick’s Day. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Tasty Donuts is making sure no one gets pinched by offering green sweet treats. Currently, lots of their donuts…… MORE
